REGION  The Amgen Tour of California cycling race — America’s version of the Tour de France — won’t return to Escondido next year, but Carlsbad might host the race instead.

Escondido spent more than $350,000 to host the event in May with disappointing results — an outcome cited by the City Council on Wednesday when it voted unanimously to sit out the race in 2014.

Meanwhile, Carlsbad officials said Thursday they expect to submit a proposal to host the San Diego County leg of the eight-day race if some details related to financing and logistics can be resolved.

“We are in the process of trying to get our ducks in a row, but I’m pretty optimistic we’ll submit an application,” said Sam Ross, executive director of the Visit Carlsbad tourism bureau. “This race gives cities national and international exposure.”

The statewide race, which annually attracts the world’s top cyclists, draws hundreds of thousands of spectators along race routes and is watched by millions on NBC Sports and other channels in more than 200 countries across the globe.

More than 40,000 jammed the streets of downtown Escondido in 2009 to watch the final stage of that year’s race, but only about 15,000 people turned out when the city hosted the first stage of the race this year. City officials blamed the drop in attendance on 105-degree temperatures and the event falling on Mother’s Day.

Cami Mattson, a former North County tourism official who helped coordinate the race both times, said Carlsbad could be an ideal choice.

She said Carlsbad has mild weather and large corporations that could help cover costs, as well as coastal views that attract television audiences and experience hosting sporting events, such as marathons and professional golf and tennis tournaments.

Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, said the local cycling community would like to see the race return to the region next year.

“The race showcases San Diego County as a great place for cycling,” he said. “I’m glad Carlsbad plans to step up because it means a lot having world-class athletes come here. It’s an exciting race and it provides an economic boost.”

But Escondido City Council members said their city didn’t get its money’s worth this year.

The city spent about $480,000 on hotel rooms for the race entourage, a gala ball, road closures and other expenses. Donors provided about $105,000, leaving the city more than $370,000 in the red.

The race was expected to boost local businesses, but some restaurants near the downtown finish line said the race actually hurt them because it interfered with their normal Mother’s Day crowd.

“Our restaurants took a hit,” said Councilman Ed Gallo, explaining why Escondido decided to wait a year or two before pursuing the race again. “We still have a hangover from this year.”

Ross, the Carlsbad tourism official, said he’s set aside $100,000 of the roughly $250,000 it would cost to host the race next year.

Carlsbad’s cost would be lower because it’s less expensive to host the final leg than the start of the race. The tour traveled from south to north this year, but is expected to go from north to south next year.

Ross said he’s scheduled to meet with city officials next week to discuss who would cover the other $150,000 if donors can’t be found, and whether the city would help with law enforcement and road closure costs.

Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall said Thursday he hopes the city hosts the race.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to promote our city and this would give us worldwide exposure,” he said.